When I was a teenager, I earned great grades in school, played an instrument in the school band, and played a sport. I was never afraid to learn new things and was always eager to tackle all of the challenges that came with the learning experience. However, that all changed when I was finally the legal driving age in my state. I was terrified of driving and convinced that I would fail miserably at it! The feeling took me by surprise, but after some soul-searching and supportive advice from family, I finally got up the nerve to get behind the wheel. The "rest is history," as they say, and I soon actually became a great driver. I now have children and always tell them they can learn anything they put their minds too. I decided to start a blog to share my educational tips and help inspire others to learn!

You Can Learn Anything You Put Your Mind To

HVAC Careers: Getting Started

3 July 2018

Logan Ryan

You might have always had a special knack for fixing machines and may have just realized that the HVAC industry allows you to do that with a good salary. Getting started and earning your first paycheck takes time, but with these clear steps, a rewarding HVAC career will soon be ahead of you.

Set Goals

Without goals, your career may not be as dynamic or well-paying as you want. You need to determine whether you prefer Type I, II, III, or universal certification, for instance.

Type I will prepare you for work with smaller appliances, while types II and III permit work on high- and low-pressure units, accordingly. A universal certification will enable you to work with all HVAC materials.

Your certification will have a lot to do with the kind of work you'll do and places you'll go. If you'd prefer residential work, type I certification should be sufficient. If you plan to work mostly in commercial facilities, type II would be appropriate.

Industrial facilities are generally most suitable for those with type III certification. You might want to explore possibilities in your area and possible salaries for different types of certification before making a choice.

Get Training

When your goals are clear, training will become vital. There are some self-study courses out there, but your best bet is likely a trade school that offers specialized, interactive classes to get you acclimated to the machines you'll be working with. If you're already working in another industry and have a current job, you may need to find schools that accommodate your schedule.

You may have concerns about being able to afford adequate training. Luckily, many schools offer their own financial aid packages and payment plans. You should inquire at a school's business office so you can get a list of resources.

Get Support

Whether you make friends among your peers in classes or join online groups for HVAC professionals, getting support during your training is key. You may have questions about your work or future, and only others in the industry can give the targeted guidance and help you need. You might find that as you learn, you can begin helping other people in your position.

Your ability to have a blooming career is related to your ability to use this information. Knowing your plans, being trained and getting support during HVAC training will provide a foundation on which you can build your future.